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Are you getting Bitter or are you getting Better? It’s easy with everything that is going on in the world today to let our hearts be troubled.
Jesus said in John 12:27, “Now, My soul is troubled and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” It is not wrong to be troubled, as we see Jesus struggling with this. But it is what He chose to do in response that gives us hope. He chose to recognize He was called to endure for the greater good. He could have become bitter, but chose to put His eyes on the Father to fulfill His purpose.
Exodus 15 and 16 tell us a story. Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur and for three days found no water. When they came to Marah they found water but could not drink it because it was bitter. And the people complained.
So Moses cried out to the Lord, who showed him a tree. When the tree was cast into the waters, the water was made sweet. Then, they traveled to Elim where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees where they camped. Next, they traveled to the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Sinai. This was 45 days after they departed Egypt, where they had seen the Red Sea heaped up so that they could cross over, and their enemies are drowned. And the people complained. This was after they saw bitter waters turn sweet. They continued to complain as they were making their way to the promised land.
If the Israelites had seen the promised land when they left Egypt – would they have complained?
In these instances where the Israelites complained, it was because they had become bitter. They put their eyes and hearts on themselves, rather than on what God is doing. Many times it is hard to see that God is actually working, but becoming bitter and complaining will always obscure our view of the greater purpose.
As Israel arrived at the promised land, they complained again. But this time it resulted in them not receiving the promise they had been saved for. If they had seen the promised land when they left Egypt – would they have complained? It’s a good question. Maybe your promised land is in view, but you are anxious that it isn’t happening in your timeframe, or your way and you are complaining.
Are you bitter today? Take this opportunity to be better. It’s really that simple. Recognize that God is good and He has good in store for you regardless of what you can immediately see. Trust Him to accomplish His purposes in your life and choose to glorify Him in all circumstances.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, I ask you to forgive me for complaining. Each time I use my mouth to complain, it is an assault against You and who You are. Forgive me for focusing on my temporary circumstances and help me to refocus on You. Thank you that Your love for me is unfailing. Help me to be the person You called me to be and to trust You. In Jesus name, Amen.